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Researchers develop OLED illuminated surfaces
We've seen transparent OLEDs before, but researchers at the University of Southern California and Princeton University have taken things one step further, developing white-light organic light emitting diodes that can cover just about any surface and act as a light source. The new OLEDs are the result of 13 years of research by Mark Thompson of USC and Stephen Forrest of Princeton, who previously invented single-color OLEDs but, until now, have been unable to overcome the fast burnout time of the white-light types. The trick, as it turned out, was to use a fluorescent dye for the blue component of the OLED instead of a phosphorescence one, which consumed too much energy. Don't start redesigning your place to accomodate glowing surfaces just yet though, they still need to come up with a way of making a plastic backing that'll cover a large area and not allow any humidity to pass through, which degrades the OLED.[Via Inhabitat]
Blinkit: the blinking light iPod accessory
I'd file this under the "hmmm" category if we had one: Blinkit is a blinking light attachment for iPods with dock connectors. Intuitive Devices, Inc. brands it as something you can use for personal safety while biking, hiking, jogging, etc., since it has seven flashing cycles (including a "flash to beat" music mode) and the ability to re-direct its lights in a couple of directions. The Blinkit comes with tinted lens caps and is powered by two bright OLEDs inside so it drains very little power from your iPod's battery.Sounds like an interesting accessory, but it sells for $29.95 which might put it outside some iPod owners' budgets. Kudos for creativity though.[via Playlist]
